No official announcement has been made about the role, but Hardy spoke exclusively with MTV about his possible appearance in the film – and he seems to be as uncertain (or unforthcoming) about the details of the film (which is due to shoot down-under next year) as director George Miller and Mel Gibson.

MTV’s Josh Horowitz quizzed the actor about the film and Hardy stated that he was far from a lock for the film:

“George hasn’t actually confirmed that. It’s strongly coming in my direction. I would be preparing for that role.”

When asked how he’d deal with playing such an iconic character he replied:

“The Mad Max figure is a big figure, and I have to get my head around that.”

Hardy went on to say:

“I would have to pick up where Mel left off, but in all honesty, it would be ridiculous to pick up where Mel left off. He is Mad Max. I have to bring something entirely different and new to the stage.”

Hardy remains hopeful that the role is his, saying:

“If I get offered it and George really wants to go with me, then George will tell me exactly what he wants to do and we’ll work together on the floor to create what it is that he wants to achieve. And I hope I can get that done for him.”

Now, while I’ve said this a million times, I believe that there is still a slight chance that Mel Gibson could return to the role of Max in Miller’s action epic. The budget of Fury Road is set at over $100 million and I feel that in this financial climate, Warner Bros. would be hesitant to pony up that sort of cash with Hardy in the lead – even with Charlize Theron in a supporting role.

Hardy also said in the interview that when he tested for the film he did so without a script and a character – a sure sign that Miller could be casting for different parts, with the option of getting a replacement Max if Gibson turns him down again. Even if Gibson accepts, Hardy could end up with a meaty supporting role, much like when Cillian Murphy came down to the last round of Batman auditions for Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins before Christian Bale got the title – Murphy was then cast as The Scarecrow.

Hardy said:

“The audition process had nothing to do with Max and nothing to do with the story or the script. It was unorthodox to the point where actually I could have been auditioning for anything. It was an anonymous read. I haven’t actually gotten into the conversation at all about Max.”

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SK-47 5 years ago

Niall I am with you.
Hoping that Gibson returns to the role…older action heroes work. Here is hoping that Hardy is given the supporting role.

Given what we know about the whole thing it just depends on the details of the story IMO. As successful as Mel has been I don’t see why he can’t do it for a small percentage of the B.O. and let them pour the cash into a good story and the shoot. However maybe Miller wants to look back. Could their be a story between Max two and three, “A Fury Road?” Yeah I’m aware what I’m saying, but nothings on film yet…

Gibson is only 54 hardly old for leading men in Hollywood now days. Clooney is 50, Pitt is near 50, Denzel washington is 55, Tom Cruise is about 50. I don’t want anyone associated with that steaming pile of sh*t Next Gen franchise anywhere near Mad Max

First of all, any actor can be replaced with another. Would I love to see Mel back? Of course. But unlike other actors with iconic roles, he does not really need Max (or Riggs from Lethal Weapon) because he has had bigger success as a producer-director. Max 4 almost happened ten years ago.

As for Hardy. I like him as an actor- I also thought he was good in Star Trek Nemesis. But I don’t think he’s Mad Max at all. Maybe if this was a remake then it might be another ballgame.

Mel = Max, forever!
@ Darren Seeley
No actor can tcuch this role ever (remake? – you must be kidding – 99 % of remakes are worse than originals -remember “Psycho” remake ? What was the point? Color? Total disaster!)
Every time there is a discussion about “Fury Road” I keep
posting – forget “Thunderdome”, continue the story from “The Road Warrior” with Mel, he can play a mentor to a younger “road warrior” who can carry the franchise further (if they want to make part 16 or whatever)

Ever since I was about 5 I’ve hated it when a character is played by a different actor in a movie sequel. I think that unless they get Mel Gibson they shouldn’t bother making it. He is knocking on now but even Mad Max would age so just write a story set when he’s older.
Indiana Jones 4 may not have been that great but Harrison Ford could still play the part well enough. Mel Gibson probably can too.

The point is you can’t have 3 movies close together with one guy then a random fourth one 25 years later with a different guy. That’s entering remake territory which would suck too.